War Eagle Boats

[jim g]

Hello everyone, I've been in the market for some time now for a new boat, I thought I wanted a Ranger but I just don't think I want a boat with carpet since besides crappie I also striper fish. Anyone that's ever striper fished with blue back herring knows their scales go everywhere. I ran across a 861 Predator doing a web search but theirs not much info out on them. Thought I'd ask on here if anyone fishes out of one and how they like it. I fish big water lakes so the things I'd like to know about is the ride how does it ride in choppy water, stability and storage. Thanks.

i have owned the war eagle predator 861 for slightly more than 2 1/2 years now. i like it very much. use it primarily as a crappie boat-long lining and spider rigging with multiple rod holders. also fish for catfish, bass,and stripers here at lake talquin, fl. have a 115hp merc 4 stroke on it. glad i got the largest available motor. will do 50 mph. not a boat for rough, very choppy water due to the hull design. but, does ok considering it is aluminum. so not nearly as heavy as a fiberglass boat. best steering system i have ever owned. let go of the wheel, it still tracks straight. love the vinyl on the deck. hate carpet in a boat. live wells work very well, front one will empty at high speed. rear wells will stay full all day. well designed to 2 or 3 seats in the bow for crappie. plenty of storage, esp. for longer crappie rods. trailer from diamond city trailers only so-so. problems with the oil reservoir plastic covers on the hubs. should have bought a custom trailer for it. i will recommend it and i would buy it again.

[Scpseslayer]

this is my Ranger RT188 no carpet

[Crankbait]

The Predator is great and has a lot of features in the 18 and 19ft models. If you want to go bigger, take a look at the 2170 Blackhawk, it has tons of room and rides great in rough water. When compared to glass, you get half the cost, half the weight, and half the motor to power it( I suggest a 150 four stroke vs 250-300 2 stroke on a glass boat). Aluminum is all around easier on your truck, checkbook, and gas card. Checkout the War Eagle website.

[Scpseslayer]

I agree the Blackhawk is a nice rig. I looked at one but couldn't pass up the deal on my Ranger. It was a leftover 2015 and the last one, so I went with it.

[mark29860]

Thanks for all the info I really appreciate it. I've looked at the Ranger RT188 it's one of my top choices and around here another big seller is the War Eagle 961 Blackhawk they are roomy but not much storage and they are all center console.

[crappielimits]

Ranger make crossover boats without carpet. I have a triton crossover and love it. Here is one I saw local. It's on Dothan Alabama craigslist. Search Ranger Intracoastal.